Would you like further information on professional
registration with the UKPHR?
Practitioner Registration on the UK Public Health Register
Information for applicants
For further information about the scheme in
the West Midlands please contact:
Sally James
Public Health Workforce Specialist
Health Education West Midlands
Does your role
impact on the
health and
wellbeing of
individuals, groups
or populations?
Tel: 0121 695 2481
Email: sally.james@wm.hee.nhs.uk
Useful websites and further information:
UKPHR:
http://www.publichealthregister.org.uk/
NHS West Midlands’ Workforce Deanery:
http://www.westmidlandsdeanery.nhs.uk/PublicHealth/PHPractitioners.aspx
PHSCF:
http://www.sph.nhs.uk/what-we-do/public-health-workforce/outcomes/publichealth-skills-and-career-framework
PHORCaST:
http://www.phorcast.org.uk/index.php
Skills for Health:
http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/service-area/public-health/
Have you been
working within the
role (or held
similar roles) for a
minimum of two
years?
Then this leaflet is for
you!
Section 1: About this leaflet
Section 3: Frequently Asked Questions
This leaflet explains how practitioners can obtain professional registration with
the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) via an approved local scheme.
Q.
A.
What is the UKPHR?
The UK Public Health Register is an independent, dedicated regulator for
public health professionals in the United Kingdom, providing professional
regulation to public health specialists and public health practitioners from
a variety of backgrounds, all of whom have a common core of knowledge
and skills. The register is particularly suitable for those public health
professionals who have no other regulatory body.
Q.
A.
What are the standards?
The Public Health Practitioner Standards are based on the National
Occupational Standards for Public Health (NOS PH), the NHS
Knowledge & Skills Framework (KSF) and the PHSCF.
These
competency and knowledge statements set a consistent standard to be
attained for all those working at the level of autonomous practice. A full
copy of the standards is obtainable from your Scheme Coordinator.
Q.
My job title does not immediately indicate that I work in public
health. Can I still apply?
Yes. Practitioners may be working within the public, private and third
sectors, in a multitude of roles – many of which may not have ‘public
health’ within the job title. The term ‘public health practitioner’ is
designed to describe a level of practice – not a specific job role or type of
job. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria you are able to apply
regardless of your job title.
Practitioners must be working at level 5 (the level of autonomous practice) or
above on the Public Health Skills and Career Framework (PHSCF) - but below
specialist/consultant level, for a minimum of two years to be considered.
1.1 Background
Since 2003, the UKPHR has provided public protection
by ensuring only competent public health professionals,
at specialist level, are registered and that high standards
of practice are maintained.
“A vision for
core standards
to be held by all
public health
practitioners”
In April 2011, the register opened for practitioners and
the West Midlands was one of the 4 initial pilot sites for
the registration process. The first two practitioners from
the West Midlands were accepted onto the register in November 2011. Numbers
have accelerated as more and more local schemes become established across
the UK to support practitioners working towards registration.
A.
Section 2: Benefits of Practitioner Registration
Professional registration with the UKPHR brings a wealth of benefits to the
individual, organisation and the communities they serve. Benefits include:

A significant opportunity to become part of a quality assured public health
workforce providing clear professional identification
“It allows the world to
know that we are ‘up to
scratch’, that we are fit
for purpose”
(Practitioner)

The attainment of core standards required to
demonstrate safe and competent practice

The ability to show current and prospective
employers some assurances of quality of work

Recognises achievement, success and ongoing development

Helps to identify and fill ‘gaps’ within knowledge and competencies
“The register helps
to value and
recognise the highly
skilled practitioner
workforce”

Encourages reflective practice and demonstrates
commitment

Promotes the valuing and recognition of a ‘hidden’
workforce who contribute significantly to the public
health agenda
Q.
A.
How long will it take?
Each practitioner will vary depending upon their experience, knowledge,
learning style, quality of evidence and the opportunities available to
them. Practitioners should plan to complete their portfolio within 12-18
months. Approximately 8-10 days are usually granted within work time to
attend learning sets and other support days which may be required e.g.
writing days and developmental days. Work will also be required in the
practitioner’s own time.
Q.
How do I apply?
Entry onto the scheme is via an application process.
A launch event is held annually, where you can find
out further information about the scheme, the steps
involved and support available to you. For further
information please contact Sally James.